Yunzi
Go stones are manufactured in chinese province Yunnan. The exact
composition and technology of its production, elaborated in the Ming
Dynasty, are kept strict secret. It is said that there are more than 40
ingredients which enter into the composition of Yunzi, including agate
and amber.
Yunzi stones can be devided with regard to their shape, or color of white stones.
Shape.
There are two types of Yunzi. Classic- flat on one side, convex on the
other, or Modern- convex on both sides. Classic, flat shape of Yunzi is
caused by manual casting in an open mould. Classic- single convex are
much cheaper than modern- double convex, thanks to smaller ammount of
used composition and little technological waste.
Colour.
Colour
of black Yunzi is always the same. Regardless of shape, black stones
watched against the light are always a bit transparent and seem to be
green. Intensity of transparency and shade of green can be different in
different sets.
Classic white Yunzi stones produced according to the traditional formula
are ivory-coloured. Yellowish stones with different intensity and shade
are different in different sets. Watched against the light are
transparent.
Much cheaper are sets with white stones produced due to a modern, cheaper composition. They are snow-white, transparent.
Insignificant meanning have light-green ”white” Yunzi, popularly called „false jade”.
In sume, there are 4 main types of Yunzi stones:
- single convex, classic ivory-coloured
- single convex, modern snow-white
- double convex, classic ivory-coloured
- double convex, modern snow-white
Due to the traditional technology there might be an acceptable difference in thickness and diameter of stones in a set.
„Black” Yunzi watched against the light.
Classic Ivory Yunzi against Snow-white Modern Yunzi.
Shape of double convex, classic ivory-coloured againts double convex, modern snow-white.